Caring for your skin

Take warm, not hot, baths or showers. Try to limit them to no more that 10 to 15 minutes.

Use moisturizer liberally right after you bathe, while your skin is still damp.

Try not to scratch because it will cause more damage to your skin.

Topical, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help control mild symptoms.

Controlling your environment

Stay out of extreme heat or cold.

Stay out of very humid or very dry air.

If your home or office air is very dry, use a humidifier.

Stay away from allergens such as dust that may be in bedding, carpets, plush toys, or rugs.

Know that pet hair and dander can cause flare-ups.

Seeking medical treatment

Another way to keep symptoms under control is to seek medical treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about the type of treatment that may work best for you. Your provider may prescribe treatments such as:

Treatments to put on the skin daily

Medicines taken by mouth (oral medicines) such as antihistamines, antibiotics, or corticosteroids

In severe cases, you may need shots (injections) to control the symptoms. You may even need antibiotics if skin infections occur.

Treatments don’t work the same way for every person. So if your symptoms continue or get worse, ask your healthcare provider about other treatments.

Making lifestyle choices

Manage the stress in your life.

Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing that does not bind or rub your skin.

Don't wear wool or other scratchy fabrics.

Use fragrance-free products.

Next step

Now that you know more about atopic dermatitis, the next step is up to you. Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and your self-care routine. This will help bring atopic dermatitis under control. If your symptoms persist, be sure to let your health care provider know.